Day to celebrate small business

Published: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013 10:30 a.m. CST

From Jim Stalker

Creston

Unbeknownst to me until recently, there’s a special day designated nationally for the small business. We all know about the “Big Box” conglomerates crowding each other to be first to open their stores after Thanksgiving and offering the biggest markdowns, each trying to outdo the other, and most people running to the cities to take advantage, to be the first at the door, getting into that “shop til you drop” frenzy, while the rest of us stay home to mind our own small businesses. We sit by patiently, hoping to lure just a bit of the tired, worn-out shoppers, into our stores to show them our own unique merchandise.

But how can we possibly compete with those great big businesses? We do so by offering a less stressful atmosphere, personal service, and sometimes, when we can, a better price.

It is only fair that we get to have a special day designated as Small Business Saturday, right after Black Friday that is claimed by the large corporate stores. Small Business Saturday is best remembered as a time for all the shoppers to remember and reflect on the importance of the small independent business, and the part the small businesses play in maintaining the stability of the small towns. It is the independent business people, as well as the everyday workers, who work in conjunction with each other to pay the local taxes, support the school system, help to maintain the streets and protect us with adequate fire and police personnel.

It is okay to shop at the “big box” stores when you must. It is equally important to remember that the “independent” businesses built the towns. They were the first to take a chance, provide a service, and they deserve the opportunity to continue to serve their communities. Remember the older business districts, whatever their nickname. They were the pioneers that helped to build America.